Available Services - Paper Making
Capabilities
Beating and Refining
Refining is a critical unit operation in the stock preparation area of a
paper machine. It is the area where the inherent properties of the pulp,
hence, the properties of the paper are developed.
The University of Maine has two double
disc refiners: a 13-inch disc refiner and a 20-inch disc refiner, both
equipped with variable speed motors. The refiner loop is connected to
several tanks for refining studies in the recirculation or single pass
mode. A conical refiner is also available for use. The refiners, along
with a beater, allow for a range of refining prior to papermaking as
well as for a comparison of the benefits provided by each type of
machine.
Screening and Fractionation
Unbleached pulp contains many impurities arising from both the wood and
from external sources. Separations are based on size, shape, specific
gravity, and specific surface differences.
Centrifugal cleaners are arranged to
allow for performance evaluation under typical operating conditions. The
pressure screen is a classical means for removing over-size foreign
bodies from pulp. The Centri-sorter can be operated under a wide variety
of conditions.
Papermaking
The pilot paper machine is available for raw material and process
operation studies as well as to evaluate equipment components. Steady
state is reached in less than 30 minutes allowing multiple trials in a
single day.
Gate Roll Coater / Size Press
A gate roll coater / size press is an option in the operation of the
pilot paper machine. This piece of equipment allows for the addition of
surface sizing as well as light coating on the basesheet.
Calendering
For most paper grades, the dried sheet is passed through a stack of
heavy metal rolls where it is pressed under high pressure. Calendering
improves printing properties, particularly roughness and gloss. The
values attained depend on the speed, pressure and temperature of
calendering, the base sheet, the average moisture content, and the
composition of the coating. An on-line calender stack is available at
the end of the paper machine.
Available
Equipment
- Stock Preparation Equipment
- Voith Pressure Screen
- Make-down Tanks with Supply Pumps
(5-75 gal)
- Fourdrinier 16", 10-160 fpm
- Plexiglass headbox with
distributor plate
- Hydrofoil drainage
- Dandy roll
- Closed white water system
- SWECO white water filter
- Two presses with metal and/or
composition rolls
- Inclined size press / Gate roll
coater
- Flexible starch supply system
- On-line calender stack
- Outside exhaust dryer hoods
- Sectional DC drive accurate to +/-
0.1%
- Measurex Vision 2002 control
- Paper Testing Equipment
- Metering System for Wet-End
Additives
- Mutek Anlyzers - Charge and Zeta
Potential
Information Request Form
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